Marcus Lopes's Blog, page 20

The Knives are Out

This is a continuation of ‘Target in Sight‘

“Tell me about Excelsior,” Michael said flatly.

“I remember it like it was yesterday,” the prime minister said with an air of defeat and leaned back in his chair. “It was my first time leading a covert op as a Major-General, and making the decision to engage from a war room. Everything about Excelsior, then, seemed so necessary given what was happening in the world.”

“Angelique Romero is out for revenge,” Michael said bluntly. “More than that, actuall...

Kindness Matters

In a post two weeks ago, I mentioned that my cousin Markus had passed away suddenly. I hadn’t seen him in a long time, but his death was a shock. It reminded me about the importance of living life boldly (not recklessly) and, more importantly, being true to [your] self. Or, I like to think of it like this: live your life your way, by your own rules, and ignore all the noise and opinions of other people.

As Markus’s family, friends, and colleagues gathered on 24 June to celebrate his life, peopl...

The Detachment Dilemma

As I step back from social media, my intention (of late) has not been to impose a clean break (or secretly, is it…?). My goal instead is to take a more practical, intentional approach to its use. That is, to stop checking it a gazillion times a day, ignore all the cat and dog memes, and hopefully build meaningful connections and engage in more artful conversations.

Sometimes stepping back from social media feels like one of those lofty New Year’s resolutions I abandoned making years ago. The ki...

Be. Here. Now

It’s been a challenging few weeks…

In my early thirties, I ‘woke up to life.’ That is, I came to love myself and accept myself just as I am. I didn’t strive to meet, or care about, others’ expectations. I decided to live my life my way, and do what I love. And that also meant trying to, most of the time, maintain a positive attitude. It’s never about being happy all the time, or being like Teflon and not let anything stick to me. Because life happens – the good, the bad, the ugly – and we have ...

These are Crazy Times

These are crazy times. Yes, crazy because of how the COVID-19 pandemic upended lives, and in some ways is still wreaking havoc. Crazy because politics are more divisive, and ugly; and politicians more willing to divide than unite to win re-election. Crazy because, in 2022, you can still walk into a school or grocery store and kill randomly, and those in positions of power who can enact measures aimed at curbing gun violence still do nothing. Crazy, yes, because a madman wages an illegal war aga...

Reset: Cleaning Up My Inbox

As a writer, I recognize the value and importance of a mailing list. It’s a great tool, when used effectively, that helps creators build an audience and engage with their followers. And I enjoy reading and responding to the messages I receive. Some people tell me that they liked one of my books or a character or ask about a sequel. Others share what’s happening in their lives. It’s great building those connections.

But over the years, I’ve found myself signing up for numerous mailing lists — to...

Target in Sight

This is a continuation of ‘I Don’t Play Politics‘

Back at James Coburg’s estate near Alexandria, Michael entered the study and stopped just inside the door. His gaze zeroed in on James and Josh, who were in deep conversation near the French doors that opened onto the backyard. Their voices hushed, Michael strained to make out what they were saying. He caught an “It’s complicated” and “Keep me informed” without really knowing what was being discussed. Then he saw Josh subtly flick his eyebrows a...

Stepping Back (Again) from Social Media

It takes discipline not to let social media steal your time.
— Alex Ohanian

As a writer with a day job — and getting older — I am thinking more about how I spend my time. Writing a book isn’t easy, and it involves a huge time commitment. For me, it means getting up in the middle of the night to write before heading to work. That generally means that in the evening I’m too mentally exhausted to write.

A few weeks ago, I spent a couple of weeks monitoring my daily screen time. I was flabbergaste...

Is this all there is to life?

Digital minimalism definitively does not reject the innovations of the internet age, but instead rejects the way so many people currently engage with these tools.” — Cal Newport, Digital Minimalism 

It’s not new. I’ve always had a love-hate relationship with social media. Perhaps it is because, by nature, I’m an introvert. Social interactions—with people I care deeply about, yet even more so with those I don’t—leave me drained.

Over the past four to five years, I’ve tried to find a ‘balanced a...

I Don’t Play Politics

This is a continuation of ‘Who Do You Trust…?‘

The door to Lauren Platt’s office flew up, Brian busting into the room.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Platt.” Todd Manfield, out of breath and standing next to Brian, lowered his eyes. “I tried to stop him.”

“It’s fine,” Lauren said almost motherly. “Let’s make it a party. Please get James and have him join us.”

Todd bowed slightly and backed out of the room, leaving the door open.

Michael glared at Brian. “I told you to leave.”

“I wasn’t leaving you alone in he...